Underwater propulsion devices

ABSTRACT

A propulsion device for propelling an object on or through a liquid medium includes an impact-resistant housing having a single chamber defined therein, a power supply unit disposed in the housing and a motor-driven impeller connected to the power supply unit and disposed within the housing. The device further includes a hand-operable switch assembly and adjustable clamping device for securing the device onto a breathing apparatus of a human user, where so desired.

i United States Patent [191 Bardoni et a1.

UNDERWATER PROPULSION DEVICES Inventors: Thomas J. Bardoni, 1605 Tenth,

Wyandotte, Mich. 48192; William Markarian, 5970 Weddel, Taylor, Mich.48180; Kenneth 0. Richardson, 15223 Thomas, Allen Park, Mich. 48101Filed: Sept. 4, 1974 Appl. No.: 503,053

Related US. Application Data Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 267,679,June 29, 1972, abandoned.

US. Cl. ll5/6.l Int. Cl. A638 35/ 11 Field of Search .4 115/61, 42, 18E;

114/145 A, 16 G; 61/69 R References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2/1951Varney 1l5/6.1

[ Nov. 4, 1975 2,722,021 11/1955 Keogh-Dwyer 115/39 X 3,014,448 12/1961Fogerty et al 115/6.1 X 3,034,467 5/1962 Pestrank ll5/6.l 3,745,9617/1973 Laughmann 115/61 Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix AssistantExaminer-Gregory W. OConnor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Basile andWeintraub [57] ABSTRACT A propulsion device for propelling an object onor through a liquid medium includes an impact-resistant housing having asingle chamber defined therein, a power supply unit disposed in thehousing and a motor-driven impeller connected to the power supply unitand disposed within the housing. The device further includes ahand-operable switch assembly and adjustable clamping device forsecuring the device onto a breathing apparatus of a human user, where sodesired.

14 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 0f 3 U8. Patent Nov. 4, 19 75 US.Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 3 of3 3,916,814

Fig-l0 UNDERWATER PROPULSION DEVICES filed June 29, 1972 entitledUNDERWATER PRO- PULSION DEVICES now abandoned, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention pertains to propulsion devices for propelling an object on orthrough a liquid medium. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to propulsion devices for use by individuals on or throughwater.

2. Prior Art The ever increasing popularity of underwater research andactivities both on and in such media, such as swimming, scuba diving orthe like, has given rise to the development of a multitude ofappliances, accessories and the like particularly adapted for suchactivities. One of the more keenly explored aspects of such activitiesis individual propulsion units for facilitating travel on or throughthis medium.

As a result thereof there has been developed combined breathing unit andpropulsion devices, such as disclosed in US. Pat. Nos. 3,048,140;3,430,602; 3,128,739 and the like. Other heretofore known propulsionunits of this type either provide associated buoyancy means, US. Pat.No. 2,722,021; include an oxygen source therewith, US. Pat. No.3,014,448; or are integrally formed with the oxygen tank, US. Pat. No.3,034,467.

Such prior art devices suffer from inherent defects. Combined breathingunits are either too inefficient or simply do not work; integrallyformed units are hazardous to the user because of the location of theprop and power unit near the legs of the user. Other units are toocumbersome and heavy to be effectively employed. Moreover, such priorart units require internal sealing means to prevent saline attack uponthe power supply source for such devices. This inhibits the ability toinvert the device, lest there be acid leak within the sealed chamberstoring the power supply. Also, important is that these units are fixedand back mounted in'ftheir position on the user, thus, not providing forindividual idiosyncrasies of the user who prefer to position suchappliances to their own individual choice.

The present invention, on the other hand, eliminates all the problemsencountered with the prior art by providing a safe, lightweight,propulsion unit which can be adjustably mountable on breathingapparatus, is hand regulatable, and which does not require internalsealing of the power supply unit to prevent saline attack. Moreover, thepresent device can be disengaged from its mounting and utilized as ahand-held unit. Further, the present device can be inverted or otherwiseturned without impairing the power supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention thereis provided a propulsion device for propelling an object on or through aliquid medium. The device is adapted to be 2 adjustably detachablymounted on a breathing unit worn on the back of an underwater swimmer.

The present device generally comprises an impactresistant housingdefining a single chamber having a power supply and a motor-driven propor impeller disposed therein. The device further includes detachableclamping means for adjustably securing the device to a tank unit or thelike. The device also includes a handoperable regulator or switchassembly for controlling the speed of the impeller. Incorporated withinthe regulator is an overriding quick disconnect means for electricallydisenabling the device in case of malfunction or other hazardousencounters necessitating such action. The present invention can beutilized independent of its mounting by means for hand-holding thedevice incorporated therewith.

For a complete understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the following detailed description and accompanying drawing. In thedrawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout theseveral views in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view ofthe propulsion device of the present invention shown as mounted on abreathing unit;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the underwater propulsion device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clamping means of theunderwaterpropulsio'n device of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation of the hand regulator and quickdisconnect mechanism of the. underwater propulsion device of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the hand regulator and quick disconnectmechanism of the underwater propulsion device of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows another alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a further alternate embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the clamping means of theembodiment of FIG. 8, and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the device of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 in a clamped position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the drawing,the present invention, generally indicated at 10, includes animpact-resistant housing 12, having a power supply 14 connected to amotor 16 which drives an impeller or a prop 18. The present inventionfurther includes adjustable clamping means, generally denoted at 20, anda hand regulator, generally indicated at 22, for regulatory control ofthe propulsion device 10.

With more particularity and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 the presentinvention 10 comprises an impactresistant housing 12. The housing 12includes a base number 24 having both top and bottom surfaces 26 and 28,respectively. The base member 24 is manufactured by molding or the likefrom any suitable lightweight impact-resistant material such as aphenolic resin, polyurethane, polyvinyl, polyurea, polypropylene and thelike. Although other materials of construction can be employed,synthetic plastic resins are preferred since they do not impart anygreat weight to the device. 7

The top surface 26 of the base member 24 is preferably molded to includetwo side shoulders or wings '29 and 30 and a centrally located arcuateor semi-C'ylindri cal portion 31. The portion 31 is configured to affordeasy mountability of the device to a breathing unit. The bottom surfaceof the base member 24 carries adjustable clamping means 20. The housing12 further includes a cover member 32, manufactured analogously to thebase member 24 by bolts, threaded connections or the like (not shown).

It is thus seen that the cover member and the base member cooperate todefine a single chamber or plenum 34 in which is disposed the powersupply and prop-connected motor. The use of a single chamber provides adistinct improvement over the art, which, by virtue of heretofore knownpower supplies, requires a separate sealed chamber therefor. However,the present power supply system, as contemplated, and as describedsubsequently, eliminatesthis need and itsdisadvantages.

Moreover, the use of the present power supply provides a plurality ofadvantages. Foremost, among the advantages is that there is no concernfor acid leak. Secondly, with the present power supply, the device canbe utilized in any convenient position, i.e., inserted, rotated,inclined or the like. l-Ieretofore known devices could not besolutilized. I

The power supply 14 contemplated for use herein comprises a completelysealed, rechargable, nonhydrogen emitting battery. A battery of the typeherein contemplated generally comprises a sealed lead-lead dioxidebattery having a gelled electrolyte therewithin. These batteries arecommercially available products. Representative thereof is the Gelytebattery sold by Gould, Inc. Another representative type of power cell isthat sold by the Globe Battery division of Globe Union, Inc. under thename Gel/Cell. It is to be understood, however, that the presentinvention is not limited specifically to this power supply, but rather,contemplates any completely sealed, non-hydrogen emitting, gelledelectrolyte, rechargeable battery which permits the use of asingle-chambered housing.

Referring, to FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply 14 is mounted on the basemember 24 and is connected to a motor 16 fixed on the base member 24,also.

The motor 16 is a conventional variable speed electrical power drivenmotor. These motors, as is well known, have built thereinto means whichpermit the output thereof to be varied between high and low speeds bythe switching thereof therebetween via suitable switching means. Thesevariable speed motors are well known and commercially available.Representative thereof is the Shakespeare Model 6 l2motor. The onlycriterion attached to the variable speed motor is that it generatesufficient power to propel the user through the water. Generally, amotor capable of having an output of one-quarter horsepower will besufficient to rotate the prop at sufficient rpms to achieve thispurpose.

Mounted on the motor 16 through a sealed shaft is the impeller or prop18. In order to prevent saline attack the motor is sealed through theshaft. The hereinbefore noted commercially available motor is so sealed.It is preferred, also, in order to prevent, saline attack that allconnecting wires, bracket wires and the like deploy plug-in clips.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the present underwater propulsion devicealso includes a slidably adjustable clamping means 20. The clampingmeans is adapted to envelop abreathing unit 36 worn on the back of auser. Further the clamping means 20 renders the device slidablyadjustable on the unit 36 such that the user can deploy the deviceeither high or low on the back depending on the users' desires.

The clamping'means 20 generally comprises a first band section 38 havingone end thereof rigidly connected to the bottom surface 28 of the base24 proximate the shoulder 29. The other or free end of the first bandsection 38 has a flange 40 integrally formed therewith. The flange 40 isprovided with an aperture 42 which receives a locking means 44 such as abolt, wingnut or the like. The clamping means also includes a secondband section 46 having one end thereof provided ,with a flange 48. Theflange 48 has an aperture 50 which registers withthe aperture 42 forreceiving the locking means 44 to secure the two sections 38 and 46together. The other end of the section 46 has an acute angled flange 52provided thereon and integrally formed therewith. A locking wedge isutilized to slidingly clamp the second band section 46 to the basemember 24 as detailed hereinafter. At least one aperture 56 extendsthrough the flange.52 and the wedge 54.

A C-clamp 58 is fixedly attached to thebottom surface 28 on the arcuateportion 31 thereof, as shown, such that the legs of the C-clamp definean accessible channel 60. Disposed within the channel 60 is aninternally threaded aperture locking block 62. The block 62 can beintegrally formed with or otherwise premanently slidably disposed in thechannel 60. The block 62 is of sufiicient width such that there is stillsufficient clearance for the locking wedge 52 to be slidable within thechannel 60. v

The second section 46 is clamped to the base member 24'by sliding thewedge 54 in the channel unit the aperture 56 thereof is in registry withthe aperture of the block 62. A locking means, such as a belt or wingnut64 can then threadably connect the wedge 54 in the channel until theaperture 56 thereof is in registry with the aperture of the block 62. Alocking means, such as abolt or wing-nut 64 can then threadably connectthe wedge and the block thereby clamping the second section to the basemember.

.It is apparent from the preceding that in accordance with the presentinvention, the device can be positioned anywhere along the breathingunit by so positioning the band sections and by sliding the block 62.Moreover, the device, per se, can bedisengaged from the unit without anydisruption by merely unclamping the block from the wedge.

With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, as hereinbefore noted, the presentinvention also provides for a handoperated regulator for controlling thespeed of the prop. The regulator 22 "comprises an on-off switch 66disposed in the palm of the hand of the user, as shown, via a strap 68orthe like. The switch 66 is connected to a wrist-mounted speed selector70, through connecting wires 72, 74. The connecting wire 72 is theground wire and the wire 74 is connected to the negative terminal of thepower supply.

The speed selector includes a rotatable switching blade 76 forregulating the speed of the impeller 18 between aflow speedand highspeed through connecting wires 78 and"80,"respectively, connected to themeans incorporated into the motor which permits the variance of thespeed. Switching between the speeds is effected via a terminal strip 82interposed between the speed selector and the user in a manner wellknown. The circuit is completed by the connection 84 between thepositive terminal of the power supply 14 and the motor 16.

An overriding safety quick disconnect plug 86 which can comprise anytype of male-female connector is interposed between the speed regulatorand the motor. Preferably the disconnect plug 86 is disposed proximatethe speed regulator or switching means for easy access in case ofmalfunction, hazardous encounters or the like.

It is to be understood that all connecting wires are encased in eitherthe housing, where applicable, or in non-saline reactive casings orinsulation material, such as rubber, tetrafluorethylene and the like.Further, it is to be understood that the circuitry described herein isillustrative rather than limitative of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention further contemplates externalmeans for recharging the power supply 14 such as plug-in jack 88 orother suitable means. Further, it is contemplated that accessory jacks90 be included which can divert power from the power supply toaccessories such as lighting means and the like (not shown).

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7 there is depicted therein alternatepreferred embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments depictdifferent dispositions of the power supply and motor. In FIG. 6 thepower supply 114 comprises a plurality of batteries 116 connected inparallel. In this configuration, the motor 118 is disposed between eachbank of batteries, as shown.

In FIG. 7, the power supply 214 comprises a rectangular unit having aslot 216 formed therein. In this embodiment the motor 218 is disposed inthe slot and mounted to the base, as shown. This configuration providesa more compact unit than previously set forth. However, as with allother embodiments, the operation of the device and the concepts of asingle chamber and clamping means remains the same.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-10 there is shown therein still anotherpreferred embodiment of the instant invention. In accordance herewiththe base member 324 has top and bottom surfaces 326 and 328,respectively. The wings or shoulders 329 and 330 each have an apertureor hand-holding means 331 and 332 provided therein.

The bottom surface 328 has a centrally located locking channel or recess334 formed therein. The channel or recess has a first vertical side wall335 having a plurality of apertures or throughholes 336 providedtherealong. The other or second sidewall 338is acute-angled orchamfered, as shown, to matingly and wedgingly engage the clamping means320 in dovetail-fashion as described hereinafter.

The clamping means 320 comprises a band section 340 havinginter-connectable apertured flanges 342, 344 integrally formedtherewith. Locking means, such as, a nut and bolt or the like, can beused to threadably connect the band around a breathing unit, as shown.

Integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the band section 340 is aslidable locking portion 346. The

locking portion includes a first vertical upstanding wall 348 having aplurality of apertures 350 disposed therealong.

The second vertical wall 352 is chamfered or obliquely angled to becomplementary with the wall '6 338 of the channel 334. The bottomsurface 354 of the locking portion 346 is arcuate in configuration toengage a breathing unit, where desired.

The slidable locking portion 356 is adapted to be slidable within thechannel 334 or vice versa, with their respective sidewalls matinglyengaging. The angled, respective, sidewalls provide a wedging action fora more secure engagement with the locking portion in the channel.

A locking means such as a ring pin 356 which can be permanently retainedon the housing or band, locks the locking portion in the channel. Thisis achieved by sliding the locking portion or the base member to anydesired position and inserting the ring pin through any pair ofregistering apertures 336, 350.

It is apparent that with this embodiment of the invention that thepropulsion device can be quickly and easily disengaged from thebreathing unit by merely disengaging the ring pin 356 from the lockingportion and channel sidewall. This is extremely advantageous where theuser finds that it is necessary to loose himself from the device.

Moreover, the hand-holding means enables the device to be employedindependent of the breathing unit. This is extremely advantageous inthose instances where the user must disengage himself from the breathingunit for any reason, or where it is desired to propel on the surface ofthe liquid medium and the like.

It is to be further noted with regard to all embodiments that althoughthe clamping means has been described with respect to a single breathingunit it is equally within the scope of the present invention that twinunits can be employed by slight modification of the clamping means.Furthermore, a guard can be included with the housing to preventinadvertent contact with the impeller thereby obviating user injury.

Having thus described the invention what is claimed l. A propulsiondevice submerged in a liquid medium for propelling an object on orthrough the liquid medium and adapted for use with a breathing unitcomprising in combination:

a. a sealed, non-hydrogen emitting, rechargeable,

power supply having a gelled electrolyte therewithin, the power supplyexposed to the liquid medium, whereby the need for disposing the powersupply in a separate water-proof chamber is eliminated and the weight ofthe device is reduced,

b. a variable speed motor operatively connected to the power supply, themotor being exposed to the liquid medium,

0. an impeller connected to the motor,

d. means for slidably adjustably clamping the device onto the unit, and

e. means for regulating the speed of the motor.

2. The device of claim 1 which further includes an impactresistanthousing defining a single chamber.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a base member anda cover member, the base member and the cover member defining the singlechamber and having the power supply, motor and impeller disposedtherein.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for clamping comprises incombination:

a. a first band section having one end thereof affixed to the housing;

b. a second band section having one end thereof connectable to the firstband section at its other end;

7 c. a locking wedge carried on the other end 'ofthe second bandsection, and d. a locking block disposed on the housing, the lockingblock being'connectable to the locking wedge. 5. The device of claim 4which further includes a C- clamp mounted on the housing, the lockingblock being disposed in the C-clamp. I

6. The device of claim 2 wherein the clamping means comprises:

a. a channel formed in the housing, b. a band section mountable on theunit, c. a locking portion carried on the band section and beingslidable within the channel, and d. means for interlocking the lockingportion in the channel. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the means forregulating the speed of the motor comprises:

a. an on-otf switch disposed in the hand of the user, and in electricalcommunication with the power pp y; b. a speed selector in electricalcommunication with v the switch and the motor, and

c. a safety quick disconnect plug interposed between the motor and thespeed selector. 8. The device of claim I which further includes a safetyquick disconnect plug.

'9." The device of claim 1 which further includes means forrecharging-the power supply.

10. -A device submerged-in a liquid medium for propelling an object onor through the liquid medium comprising in combination:

a. a sealed,- non-hydrogen emitting, rechargeable electrical powersupply having a gelled electrolyte therewithin, whereby the need fordisposing the power supply in a separate water-proof chamber iseliminated and the weight of the device is reduced,

b. a motor operatively connected to the power supc. an impelleroperatively connected to the motor, and wherein the power supply, motorand impeller are exposed to the liquid medium.

1 l. The device of claim 10 wherein the power supply, the motor and theimpeller are encasedin a housing, the housing defining a single chamber.

12. The device of claim 10 which further includes means for handregulating the speed of the motor.

13. The device of claim 10 which further includes means for slidablyclamping the device to a breathing unit.

14. The device of claim 10 which further includes means for hand-holdingthe device.

1. A propulsion device submerged in a liquid medium for propelling anobject on or through the liquid medium and adapted for use with abreathing unit comprising in combination: a. a sealed, non-hydrogenemitting, rechargeable power supply having a gelled electrolytetherewithin, the power supply exposed to the liquid medium, whereby theneed for disposing the power supply in a separate water-proof chamber iseliminated and the weight of the device is reduced, b. a variable speedmotor operatively connected to the power supply, the motor being exposedto the liquid medium, c. an impeller connected to the motor, d. meansfor slidably adjustably clamping the device onto the unit, and e. meansfor regulating the speed of the motor.
 2. The device of claim 1 whichfurther includes an impactresistant housing defining a single chamber.3. The device of claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a base member anda cover member, the base member and the cover member defining the singlechamber and having the power supply, motor and impeller disposedtherein.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for clampingcomprises in combination: a. a first band section having one end thereofaffixed to the housing; b. a second band section having one end thereofconnectable to the first band section at its other end; c. a lockingwedge carried on the other end of the second band section, and d. alocking block disposed on the housing, the locking block beingconnectable to the locking wedge.
 5. The device of claim 4 which furtherincludes a C-clamp mounted on the housing, the locking block beingdisposed in the C-clamp.
 6. The device of claim 2 wherein the clampingmeans comprises: a. a channel formed in the housing, b. a band sectionmountable on the unit, c. a locking portion carried on the band sectionand being slidable within the channel, and d. means for interlocking thelocking portion in the channel.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein themeans for regulating the speed of the motor comprises: a. an on-offswitch disposed in the hand of the user, and in electrical communicationwith the power supply; b. a speed selector in electrical communicationwith the switch and the motor, and c. a safety quick disconnect pluginterposed between the motor and the speed selector.
 8. The device ofclaim 1 which further includes a safety quick disconnect plug.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1 which further includes means for recharging the powersupply.
 10. A device submerged in a liquid medium for propelling anobject on or through the liquid medium comprising in combination: a. asealed, non-hydrogen emitting, rechargeable electrical power supplyhaving a gelled electrolyte therewithin, whereby the need for disposingthe power supply in a separate waterproof chamber is eliminated and theweight of the device is reduced, b. a motor operatively connected to thepower supply, c. an impeller operatively connected to the motor, andwherein the power supply, motor and impeller are exposed to the liquidmedium.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the power supply, the motorand the impeller are encased in a housing, the housing defining a singlechamber.
 12. The device of claim 10 which further includes means forhand regulating the speed of the motor.
 13. The device of claim 10 whichfurther includes means for slidably clamping the device to a breathingunit.
 14. The device of claim 10 which further includes means forhand-holding the device.